Costa Rica
Essential
8D-7N
8 Days · 7 Nights · The complete Costa Rica experience, curated by us.
Rainforest | Wildlife | Volcanoes | Pacific Coast | Coffee Culture | Caribbean | Couples | Families
Itinerary
Designed for travelers who want to experience the country's most iconic landscapes in a single, seamless journey. Over 8 days and 7 nights, you'll move from the Caribbean rainforest of Tortuguero to the volcanic energy of Arenal, the cloud forests of Monteverde and the white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. Every detail is handled by our team: hand-picked hotels, six curated experiences, seamless transfers and on-the-ground support from arrival to departure. This is Costa Rica – living life to the purest.
Your journey, your memories
San José
Day 1-2
Monteverde
Day 5
Tortuguero
Days 3
Manuel Antonio
Day 6-7
Arenal
Days 4
San José
Day 8
Route
Map
Itinerary
Day 1
Your Costa Rica story begins at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). A warm meet-and-greet welcomes you, and a transfer takes you to your hotel. Settle in and let the pura vida spirit take hold.
Overnight in San José.
Day 2
Set out on a full-day combo tour: walk the coffee fields of Hacienda Doka, stand at the edge of Poás Volcano's crater, and finish at the cascades of La Paz Waterfall.
Lunch included.
Overnight in San José.
Day 3
With all meals included, travel toward the canals of Tortuguero, where the road gives way to river and the rainforest closes in. In the afternoon, explore the village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy museum.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4
Start early with a guided tour to discover Tortuguero's wildlife, then leave the canals behind for Arenal Volcano. Tonight, sink into the Ecotermales hot springs, with dinner included.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
Cross Lake Arenal and climb into the misty cloud forest of Monteverde. Walk the Selvatura Hanging Bridges, suspended high among the treetops.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 6
A private transfer trades the cool cloud forest for the warm Pacific coast. The pace slows as palm trees and ocean breezes welcome you to Manuel Antonio.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide, where jungle trails open onto some of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches, alive with monkeys, sloths and tropical birds.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 8
After a final breakfast, a private transfer returns you to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), already dreaming of your return.
Departure – until next time.
What´s included?
Accommodation
· 2 nights San José
· 1 night Tortuguero
· 1 night Arenal
· 1 night Monteverde
· 2 nights Manuel Antonio
Experiences & Meals
· Doka Coffee
· Poás
· La Paz Waterfall combo tour
· Tortuguero village & turtle museum
· Tortuguero wildlife tour
· Ecotermales Hot Springs
· Selvatura Hanging Bridges
· Manuel Antonio National Park
· 7 breakfasts
· 3 lunches
· 2 dinners
· Private and shared transfers
Not Included
· International flights
· Travel insurance
· Tips & personal expenses
· Drinks
· Turtle museum entrance fee
· Departure tax
Why book with us:
Local Expertise
We know every trail, every hotel and every detail. Our team is on the ground, not behind a desk in another country.
One Point of Contact
From your first quote to your departure transfer, one dedicated team handles everything seamlessly.
Proven Experience
Years designing pure Costa Rica experiences for travelers and agencies across North America and Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to take this trip?
The best time to visit depends on your interests and the purpose of your trip. From December through April, Costa Rica enjoys its dry season (summer), which is also the peak travel period. During these months, demand is higher, which may result in reduced availability for some services. That said, Costa Rica offers pleasant weather year-round. From May through November, the country experiences its renowned Green Season, characterized by lush landscapes, fewer visitors, greater service availability, and more attractive rates. While September and October are typically the rainiest months, this does not limit the wide variety of activities and experiences available throughout the country.
Can this itinerary be customized to my preferences?
Absolutely. This itinerary is intended as a general example of the experiences, activities, and destination combinations that can be enjoyed in Costa Rica. At Destination Costa Rica DMC, we specialize in designing tailor-made travel programs for both individual travelers and groups, adapting each proposal to our clients’ interests, expectations, and budget.
How can I request a quotation?
You can request a personalized quotation through our contact form, via our online chat, or by emailing us at info@destinationcr.com. Our team will prepare a customized proposal based on your travel needs and preferences.
What happens if I want to modify the itinerary or change the order of the experiences?
Any changes to the sequence of destinations, activities, or experiences may affect logistics, travel times, and service availability. Depending on the requested modifications, operational adjustments may be required, which could impact the final cost of the program. Our team will be happy to advise you and recommend the best alternatives based on your preferences.